Wickham Park: Scrubland Goldenaster, Florida Beargrass, and Florida False Sunflower, June 8, 2015

The main purpose of this visit was to confirm the identity of the yellow composites that are prevalent along the fire break trail east of the scout camping area. I had previous called them camphorweed (Heterotheca subaxillaris); however, Roger Hammer recently examined them and determined that they are actually scrubland goldenaster (Chrysopsis subulata), a Florida endemic. He noted that the crushed leaves did not smell like camphor, which ruled out Heterotheca subaxillaris.

While in the park, I photographed two other Florida endemics that happened to be growing nearby: Florida false sunflower (Phoebanthus grandiflorus) and Florida bear grass (Nolina atopocarpa).

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Scrubland goldenaster (Chryopsis subulata, Asteraceae)

Native, Florida endemic

Bracts are bristle tipped and reflexed.

Leaves often covered with white hairs.

Stem smooth or covered with cobwebby hairs (see first image, upper left)

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Florida false sunflower (Phoebanthus grandiflorus, Asteraceae)

Native, Florida endemic

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Coastalplain honeycombhead; yellow buttons (Balduina angustifolia, Asteraceae)

Native

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Florida beargrass (Nolina atopocarpa, Ruscaceae)

Native, Florida endemic

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Tarflower (Bejaria racemosa, Ericaceae)

Native

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Dogfennel (Eupatorium capillifolium, Asteraceae)

Native

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